Greek runner Fani Halkia, who won gold in the womens 400m hurdles at
the Athens Olympics, has tested positive for a banned substance, the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed Sunday. The
29-year-old failed the test while in Japan preparing for the ongoing
2008 Beijing Olympics and is now expected to be formally expelled from
the Games by the IOCs disciplinary committee. According to her
entourage, she spoke to members of the Greek press overnight. This
development follows a decision by the IOC to exclude her compatriot,
sprinter Ekaterina Thanou from the Beijing Olympics. The 33-year-old
missed the 2004 edition after she and fellow sprinter Kostas Kenteris
missed an eve of Games dope test - their third in a year.

A road side bomb has killed 10 policemen in Afghanistan, at a time when
7,000 policemen have been deployed in Kabul to guarantee the safety of
events celelbrating the 89th anniversary from the countrys independence
from the British, reported official sources. The police chief of
Kandahar province, Mutiullah Khan, blamed the bombing on the "enemies
of Afghanistan" -- a phrase most Afghan officials use to refer to
Taliban militants. Khan said the policemen were on a routine patrol at
the time of the explosion. Roadside bombs are widely used by the
Taliban and other militants in their attacks on Afghan and foreign
troops.

At the same time, a circular issued by the Interior Ministry reports
that more than 7,000 policemen have been deployed in and out of Kabul
to guarantee the safety of events celebrating the 89th anniversary from
the countrys independence.

The circular describes the deployment of policemen the biggest
operation launched in Kabul in the last months, stressing "the
objective is to avert terror attacks and guarantee safety in the
capital."

The President of the Cyprus Republic D. Christofias described his 3
September meeting with Turish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on the
Cyprus issue "procedural" and the one to follow on 11/9 2008
"productive"

On his way back from Beijing, Mr Christofias reported that he is
preparing feverishly fro the talks.

Referring to his meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing, he
stated that China considers Cyprus as its best friend in Europe.

AKEL party spokesman Andros Kyprianou also referred to the imminent
talks on the resolution of the Cyprus issue. He said the talks would
constitute an endurance test for both sides.

Commenting on publications as per which the talks would be an
"endurance test" for Mehmet Ali Talata against Ankara, Mr Kyrpianou
said there is no doubt that the Turkish-Cypriot leader will encounter
many difficulties that will derive from Turkeys establishment and the
opposition in occupied Cyprus.

He also described the talks hard for both sides, adding that for that
reason "we should not give way with the first difficulties."

Two FREE Gaza vessels carrying 46 volunteers from all over the world
have left from Sitia to Cyprus and Gaza port. The volunteers included a
84-year-old man who had survived the Holocaust. All volunteers will
provide the Palestinian authorities with medical aid and with messages
against blockade by Israeli forces. Meanwhile, the Israeli government
has approved today the imminent release of about 200 Palestinian
prisoners, in an attempt to boost efforts for peace and Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas position, reported Israeli officials.

The Greek unit returned from Mitrovica, Kosovo to the Megas Alegandros
camp at 10:00, Sunday. The battalion left the camp Saturday morning due
to the imminent burning of toxic waste. The battalion is on alert and
ready to move again when the burning of toxic waste is decided again.

ND party cadres have stated that they aim at a one-party government in
the next elections, rejecting rumours on early elections. In an
interview with Eleftheros Typos newspaper, the Transport Minister ruled
out a two-party government, rejecting presently the eventuality of
early elections now. He also stressed that the ND party remains united
despite is cadres different views. Referring to corruption cases, Mr
Hatzidakis invited all who has evidence against party cadres to name
them, adding that the ND party is not perfect.

Meanwhile, ND Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis said on Saturday that the
ruling partys objective is to form a one-party government in the next
elections.

In an interview with the above newspaper, PASOK cadre Panos Beglitis
stated that election talk benefits the ruling party, adding that his
partys objective is to win in the euro elections. He also asked from
his party to stop appealing for cooperation with other parties.

Papandreou Criticism

PASOK leader George Papandreou blamed the government for depreciating
the sectors of Education, Health and coastal navigation. He also
stressed that only his party can offer Greeks a vision and hope,
something which the ruling government has failed to do.

Flora Rentoumi of Greece failed to qualify for the semifinals of the
Womens 100m Hurdles at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Clocking 13.56,
she was eliminated. After her race, Rentoumi said: "The truth is that
its been a long time since the last time I had such a poor performance.
I started off slowly and I lost ground. I believe that Delloreen
Enis-London of Jamaica will clinch first place."